Le Lézard
Classified in: Oil industry, Environment, Science and technology
Subjects: SVY, ENI

Lead Battery Recycling Tops All Consumer Recycling And Provides A True Example Of A Circular Economy


CHICAGO, Nov. 15, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- A study released today finds that lead batteries have a recycling rate of 99.3 percent, making them the number one recycled consumer product in the U.S. The near perfect rate of recycling is attributed to industry investment in a state-of-the-art closed-loop collection and recycling system that keeps 1.7 million tons of batteries out of landfills annually.

The National Recycling Rate Study released in conjunction with America Recycles Day by Essential Energy Everyday and Battery Council International (BCI), demonstrates the exceptional sustainability of lead batteries and their role in environmentally-friendly energy storage for automotive and industrial applications.

"Our goal for the lead battery manufacturing process is to collect and recycle and reuse lead batteries and their components. In essence, to create a 'closed-loop industry' that significantly reduces the demand on global resources," said Mark Thorsby, executive vice president of BCI. 

"On average, a new lead battery is comprised of more than 80 percent recycled lead battery material," added Thorsby. "Every part of the battery, from lead and plastic to sulfuric acid, is recyclable and reusable in manufacturing new batteries. This reduces the need for new lead mining, reduces waste and helps keep lead out of landfills." 

In 2014, the EPA noted that the rate of lead battery recovery was almost 99 percent, the highest recycling rate among other more well-known recycled products such as newspapers (63 percent), aluminum cans (55.1 percent), tires (40.5 percent), glass containers (32.5 percent), PET bottles (32.2 percent) and more.

"Our country needs energy delivered in an environmentally-friendly, safe and affordable manner and the recycling rate our industry has achieved is evidence of our commitment to that goal. We are proud of this record and the fact that lead batteries provide essential energy storage to power millions of cars, buses, airplanes, trains and logistic networks as well as back-up recovery systems that protect life, investments and data in emergency situations," added Thorsby. 

As the most accessible highly-sustainable battery technology, lead batteries' innovative applications also reduce CO2 emissions from vehicles through start-stop battery technology, help power hybrid and electric vehicles and enable smart grid technology that improves the reliability of wind and solar farms.

The state-of-the-art closed-loop process that ensures lead batteries' high rate of recycling is recognized by the World Economic Forum and MIT's Center for Transportation and Logistics as the world's most successful example of a circular economy?featuring the design, production, transportation, recycling and recovery of vehicle batteries.

The study was produced by SmithBucklin Statistics Group and was commissioned by BCI. The methodology for calculating the recycling rate considers new battery shipments, battery exports, imports of products containing a battery and imports of scrap lead and used batteries.

Essential Energy Everyday is also supporting America Recycles Day with a social media campaign that promotes recycling of other consumer products and encourages policymakers to consider sustainability when adopting energy storage policies. More information can be found at https://facebook.com/EssentialEnergyEveryday

View a video of the recycling process here: http://aboutbatteries.batterycouncil.org/How-do-I-recycle-my-lead-battery

About Essential Energy Everyday

Essential Energy Everyday exists to increase awareness of the critical importance of lead batteries in powering our daily lives. We encourage continued investment in sustainable lead battery technology to store and provide energy on demand. Our initiative is supported by the two global trade associations that represent the lead battery and lead industries, Battery Council International and the International Lead Association

SOURCE Essential Energy Everyday


These press releases may also interest you

at 09:20
Compare Before Buying has published its HP Instant Ink review, offering a closer look at the top ink subscription service designed to streamline printer maintenance and ink replenishment for both personal and office use. The 2024 review sheds light...

at 09:18
Energea, a pioneering renewable energy investment platform, announces the successful commissioning of the Divinópolis II solar power plant. Located at the "Fazenda Córrego Sujo" in Divinópolis, Minas Gerais, this 3.13 MW (DC) facility is Energea's...

at 09:15
Identity Digitaltm, a leader in connecting the online world with domain names and related technologies, today announced its partnership with Invest.Green. Invest.Green democratizes green investing by bringing institutional quality insights and...

at 09:15
Tigo Energy, Inc. , a leading provider of intelligent solar and energy software solutions, today announced the installation and commissioning of a rooftop solar system at its headquarters in California. The system was designed and deployed by Tigo...

at 09:10
The Pershing Square Foundation today announced $2M in grants to a group of twelve Newark organizations. The Pershing Square Foundation selected organizations that provide critical services to the community. The Pershing Square Foundation selected...

at 09:10
Tetra Tech, Inc. , a leading provider of high-end consulting and engineering services, today announced that it will host its inaugural Investor Day at Nasdaq's Global Headquarters in New York City on Tuesday, May 14, 2024 at 9:00 am Eastern Time....



News published on and distributed by: